I think DVD+R vs. DVD-R is more of a thing of the past in terms of media compatibility. I find that older players will have a better chance playing DVD-R on slightly lower quality discs.
However, the most important thing about burning is to choose the best media you can afford/find. If you get Taiyo Yuden DVD+R, it will be more compatible than any DVD-R out there. This is because Taiyo Yuden has the best dye and gives the best burning results.
There are some technical benefits of DVD+R, but this makes a difference with low grade media. For example, CMC MAG DVD+R will have overall better results than CMC MAG DVD-R. However, CMC MAG should be avoided as these do not produce reliable burns.
Also, different burners like different media. For example, my Pioneer DVR-A09 likes Ritek R03 more than my Plextor PX-716A. This means that even if I booktype the Riteks to DVD-ROM with the Plextor, they will be less compatible with the Pioneer non-booktyped!! You are usually very safe with Taiyo Yuden and Verbatim though!!
So if you cannot booktype, you should first choose the highest quality Media you can find. Do not make a decision only based on "+" vs "-"!!! If you find two equal media, then you can consider getting DVD-R over DVD+R.
It's more of what's the best for your DVD player, when I wasn't able to booktype/bitset DVD-Rs were best for the DVD player in my room. The one in the living room wasn't a different story though, they played both + and - Rs equally good...
IF you have determined that your burner is NOT booktype capable, then by all means go with the DVD-R format~ :) that's how i personally look at it...but as others mentioned, it's about how well your standalone dvd players PLAY either format, DVD-R or DVD+R ~:)
i use about 95% DVD+R and about 5% DVD-R for MY personal backups, but, then again all my burners are bitset capable (well ALL of them with their own utilities or FORCED modified firmware for my pioneer dvr-109 to MAKE it booktype capable~ :) )
it's a bit of trial and error, BUT if your standalones have NO ISSUES playing DVD+R format that isn't booktyped to dvd-rom, then stick with DVD+R ~ :) my 2 cents
Taiyo Yuden 4x dvd-r TYGO1/ 8x dvd-r TYGO2/ 8x dvd+r YUDEN000T02/ 16x dvd+r YUDEN000T03
Verbatim 8x dvd+r MCC003
Verbatim dvd+r DL (MKM001)= flawless no compression backups
"Do Yourself A Favor, Use The Good Stuff
TY & Verbs 4 Life~ :)" ~docTY~
"Its better to be quiet and appear stupid, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt."
I am always prepared to recognize that there can be two points of view - mine and one that is probably wrong - John Gorton
